Commercial Property Demolition Grant Application

1. Copy of current or ownership documentation.
2. Completed and signed IRS Form W-9
3. Photographs clearly showing existing conditions to be demolished
4. Quote for requested project
5. Owner consent form (required if you are a tenant/developer/proposed purchaser and not the current owner of the property)

The applicant property must contain a blighted or unsafe structure or has limitations that prevent development for commercial use of the property.  The property must be located in a commercially zoned corridor of Mecklenburg County and/or on the town’s dilapidated structure list in order to qualify for grant funds. Grant awards are competitive and will be made by the Industrial Development Authority upon the recommendation of the Grant Review Committee, subject to the availability of funds, and are based on the following criteria:

• The condition and use of the existing structure(s) on the property.
• The property’s potential for improved economic vitality, functionality, and aesthetics.
• The magnitude of proposed demolition and its potential impact on the revitalization and attractiveness of the corridor.
• Amount of private investment being proposed for the demolition and any subsequent redevelopment of the property.

I certify that the property identified in this application contains a blighted or unsafe structure or other conditions that limit its development for commercial use. I further certify that the property is located in a commercially zoned corridor of Mecklenburg County and/or is included on a town’s dilapidated property list.

I understand and agree to the following:

1. Competitive award: Submission of this application does not guarantee funding. Applications will be competitively reviewed and scored. Awards are subject to available funding and final approval by the Mecklenburg County Industrial Development Authority.
2. Approved use of funds: Any grant funds awarded will be used only for the demolition project and eligible expenses approved through this application. The project must support the property’s redevelopment potential and contribute to the economic vitality, functionality, appearance, or revitalization of the surrounding commercial corridor.
3. Property ownership and consent: I must provide documentation identifying the current property owner. If I am not the property owner, I must obtain the written consent of all property owners before the project may be approved. The property owner or owners must also sign the required Owner Consent Form.
4. Performance Agreement: If my application is approved, I will be required to review, sign, and comply with a Performance Agreement before beginning any demolition-related work. The agreement will establish the approved project scope, eligible expenses, required match, completion timeline, documentation requirements, and other conditions of the award.
5. Project start: Grant funding is not retroactive. Only work performed and expenses incurred after the application is approved and the Performance Agreement is signed will be eligible for reimbursement.
6. Permits and approvals: I must obtain the required demolition permit within 90 days of grant approval. All applicable County, town, state, and federal permits, regulations, inspections, and approvals must be satisfied before demolition begins. Copies of all required permits and approvals must be submitted to the County before reimbursement will be issued.
7. Project completion: The approved demolition project must be completed within one year of the grant award and in accordance with the approved application and signed Performance Agreement.
8. Matching funds and reimbursement: This is a 1:1 reimbursable matching grant. I understand that I am responsible for paying the full project cost upfront. The County may reimburse up to 50% of approved eligible demolition expenses, not to exceed $50,000 per property. The value of labor or sweat equity provided by the applicant does not qualify toward the required match.
9. Required documentation: Before reimbursement will be issued, I must submit paid invoices, receipts, proof of payment, required permits and approvals, and any other documentation requested by the County.
10. Compliance with the agreement: Grant funds will be issued only after the demolition project has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the approved application and signed Performance Agreement. Failure to complete the project, follow the approved demolition scope, obtain required permits, meet applicable deadlines, or submit the required documentation may result in some or all expenses being deemed ineligible for reimbursement.
11. Project photographs: I agree to provide before-and-after photographs of the property and authorize the Mecklenburg County Department of Economic Development and Tourism to use the photographs for informational, reporting, and promotional purposes.
12. Good standing and program participation: I understand that the applicant and property must remain in compliance with applicable County programs, ordinances, taxes, permits, and other legal requirements. I also agree to subscribe to the County’s business-resource email list.